TUI NAWAKA LAID TO REST

NAWAKA Village in Nadi yesterday came to a standstill as the people farewelled their chief, the Tui Nawaka, Ratu Apisai Naevo.
Described as a great leader who kept the welfare of his people at heart, Ratu Apisai was farewelled by chiefs from around the country including President Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu.
Before being installed as the Tui Nawaka, Ratu Apisai had an extensive career ranging from the Central Fijian Treasury in 1950, Colonial Sugar Refinery in the 70s and the Ba Provincial Office until he retired in 1995.
Ratu Apisai held the position of Roko Tui Ba from 1984 until his retirement. He was appointed Ba Provincial Council chairman in 1999.
The war veteran, who served with the Royal Fiji Military Force's 1st Battalion in the Malayan campaign, was installed Tui Nawaka in 1995.
Ratu Apisai, a senator from 1999 to 2006, held board posts with Post and Telecom Fiji, Fiji Pine Board, Post Fiji, NLTB, Ba Provincial Council and Ba Provincial Holdings.
Nawaka spokesman Kiniviliame Labalaba said Ratu Apisai's death was a huge loss not only for Nawaka but the whole of Nadi.

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AUDITION FOR FIJI MUSIC FESTIVAL, JUNE 21 2008

But if you want to heat up the competition, you have to register by 4pm Tuesday, yes this Tuesday as auditions start on Saturday.
That will be held at the Alliance Franþaise, on MacGregor Road and at the Suva Civic Centre on Friday the 13th.
The grand final will be held at Sukuna Park on June 21 as part of the Fiji Music Festival.
In the audition, everyone sings a cappella before planning begins to get the proper soundtrack for the heats.
The final 20 will be backed by a live band. There is no entry fee and everyone will be allowed to sing in their vernacular.
"We've done that because in past years we said English and many people who wanted to sing in Fijian or Hindi missed out," Bhagwan said.
"By vernacular we mean people are welcome to sing in the language they are most comfortable in," he said.
"We're just opening the door to the untapped potential we have ... people can sing whatever they want," he stressed.
Bhagwan expects over 100 entries, most of them making their first outing on stage. And, that's the sweetest part about it all — one does not have to be a professional singer or have aspirations to rock the world.
It is simply about singing and having fun. Who knows the Vocalist Talent Quest may turn up a Leona Lewis and perhaps one day give us a truly global icon to adore and mimic.
The panel of judges includes award-winning composer Saimone Vuatalevu and broadcasters from FM96, FMLegend and Viti FM. Entry forms are available at the Alliance Francaise on MacGregor Road, The Boom Box, Dragon Music and FM96-Legend FM. See entry forms for details, or call the Alliance on 3313802.

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